Spurs fans with flags hangout out their car windows while honking down East Commerce Street on Sunday. Credit: X / SpursNation_SA

Social media was awash with videos of Spurs fans honking through downtown San Antonio Sunday night following the team’s 111-98 victory over the Portland Trailblazers.

Indeed, it’s the first time the Spurs have won a playoff game since 2019, when the team beat the Denver Nuggets 120-103. The Silver and Black have been in a playoff drought for the subsequent six seasons.

Videos posted on the social media platform X following the team’s Sunday night victory showed fans lining East Commerce Street by the convention center and honking in celebration despite rain and below-average temperatures.

Some fans waved flags, while others stuck their heads out of sunroofs and car windows to take in the moment.

“We’re back f#ckers,” @El_Terjon210 tweeted along with a video of the downtown action.

Victor Wembanyama led the team to victory in his NBA playoff debut, scoring 35 points while shooting 83% from beyond the arc. Even so, it was Devin Vassell who sealed the deal for the Spurs, scoring eight points, one assist and two blocks during the third quarter to keep the Trail Blazers at bay.

Vassell’s first-ever playoff performance was honored as he beat the team’s celebratory post-game drum at center court.

“The fans were amazing, the atmosphere was crazy,” Vassell said following the victory. “I think it took us a little bit to settle in … you know, that second half they went on a run in the third quarter. But, as we got stops and got out in transition and really settled into our game, that’s when we started pulling away.”

Second-year guard Stephon Castle and All-Star De’Aaron Fox both contributed 17 points.

Despite the solid victory, sports commentator Stephen A. Smith on ESPN’s First Take on Wednesday morning said the Spurs still have much to prove before he’ll consider them a serious championship contender.

“Did they prove it? Hell no,” Smith said. “The Portland Trailblazers had the least potent offense of all 16 playoff teams, and they finished 21st in offensive efficiency this year. Wemby ended it right, but they did not go up against the ‘86 Boston Celtics. So as far as I’m concerned, they haven’t proven much.”

The Spurs will have another chance to demonstrate their worthiness to Smith at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Frost Bank Center for game 2 of the Western Conference quarterfinals.

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Michael Karlis is a multimedia journalist at the San Antonio Current, whose coverage in print and on social media focuses on local and state politics. He is a graduate of American University in Washington,...